Fourth DUI 2 Years in Prison
Bill goes after four-time drunken drivers, boaters
By Michael C. Bender
PBP Staff Writer
Florida would have one of the nation's toughest laws to convict repeat drunken drivers and boaters under a bill scheduled for its first committee hearing this week.
"By the time you get to a fourth offense, you've had three opportunities to get rehabilitation and move forward," said state Rep. Gayle Harrell, R-Stuart, who introduced the legislation. "When you get to your fourth, you've really passed the point where we can have any patience." Under the bill, a fourth offense of driving or boating under the influence would result in a two-year minimum jail sentence. The toughest minimum sentence in the country for a fourth DUI is one year, which is the law in six states, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.
In Florida, there is no minimum sentence for a first drunken-driving offense. Two-time offenders get at least 10 days in jail, while three or more convictions result in at least 30-day sentences. The offenses must happen within 10 years of one another to result in minimum sentences."
By Michael C. Bender
PBP Staff Writer
Florida would have one of the nation's toughest laws to convict repeat drunken drivers and boaters under a bill scheduled for its first committee hearing this week.
"By the time you get to a fourth offense, you've had three opportunities to get rehabilitation and move forward," said state Rep. Gayle Harrell, R-Stuart, who introduced the legislation. "When you get to your fourth, you've really passed the point where we can have any patience." Under the bill, a fourth offense of driving or boating under the influence would result in a two-year minimum jail sentence. The toughest minimum sentence in the country for a fourth DUI is one year, which is the law in six states, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.
In Florida, there is no minimum sentence for a first drunken-driving offense. Two-time offenders get at least 10 days in jail, while three or more convictions result in at least 30-day sentences. The offenses must happen within 10 years of one another to result in minimum sentences."
posted by CentralLaw at 11:32 AM
